GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Diagnostic Instructions

    • Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
    • Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
    •  Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provide an overview of each diagnostic category.

DTC Descriptor

DTC P0351: Ignition Coil 1 Control Circuit

DTC P0352: Ignition Coil 2 Control Circuit

DTC P0353: Ignition Coil 3 Control Circuit

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open/High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

Ignition Coil 1 Control Circuit

P0300, P0351

P0300, P0351

P0300, P0351

--

Ignition Coil 2 Control Circuit

P0300, P0352

P0300, P0352

P0300, P0352

--

Ignition Coil 3 Control Circuit

P0300, P0353

P0300, P0353

P0300, P0353

--

Circuit/System Description

There are three dual tower ignition coils integrated with the ignition control module (ICM). The ICM contains coil driver circuits that operate the three coils. The engine control module (ECM) controls the spark event for each coil through the three individual ignition coil control circuits. When the ECM commands an ignition coil control circuit ON, electrical current will flow through the primary winding of the ignition coil, creating a magnetic field. When a spark event is requested, the ECM will command the ignition coil control circuit OFF, interrupting current flow through the primary winding. The magnetic field created by the primary winding will collapse across the secondary coil windings, producing a high voltage across the spark plug electrodes. The ECM uses information from the crankshaft position (CKP) sensor and the camshaft position (CMP) sensor for sequencing and timing of the spark events. The ICM wiring includes the following circuits:

    • An ignition 1 voltage circuit
    • A ground circuit
    • An ignition coil 1 control circuit
    • An ignition coil 2 control circuit
    • An ignition coil 3 control circuit
    • A low reference circuit

The ignition coil 1 control circuit enables the spark event for cylinders 1 and 4. The ignition coil 2 control circuit enables the spark event for cylinders 2 and 5. The ignition coil 3 control circuit enables the spark event for cylinders 3 and 6. If the ECM detects that the coil control circuit has an incorrect voltage level, DTC P0351-P0353 will set.

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • The ignition is ON.
    • DTC P0351-P0353 runs continuously when the above condition is met.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The ECM detects one of the following failures on an ignition coil control circuit:

    • An open
    • A short to ground
    • A short to voltage

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

DTCs P0351-P0353 are type B DTCs.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

DTCs P0351-P0353 are type B DTCs.

Diagnostic Aids

This test procedure requires that the vehicle battery has passed a load test and is completely charged. Refer to Battery Inspection/Test .

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Engine Controls Schematics

Connector End View Reference

    •  Engine Control Module Connector End Views
    •  Engine Controls Connector End Views

Description and Operation

Electronic Ignition (EI) System Description

Electrical Information Reference

    •  Circuit Testing
    •  Connector Repairs
    •  Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
    •  Wiring Repairs

DTC Type Reference

Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Type Definitions

Scan Tool Reference

    •  Scan Tool Data List
    •  Scan Tool Data Definitions
    •  Scan Tool Output Controls

Circuit/System Verification

  1. Engine running, with a scan tool, monitor the following ignition coil control circuit status parameters. Each parameter should display OK.
  2. • Ignition Coil 1, 2, and 3 Control Circuit Short to Ground Test Status
    • Ignition Coil 1, 2, and 3 Control Circuit Open Test Status
    • Ignition Coil 1, 2, and 3 Control Circuit Short to Voltage Test Status
  3. Operate the vehicle within the conditions for running the DTC. You may also operate the vehicle within the conditions that are captured in the Freeze Frame/Failure Records Data List.

Circuit/System Testing

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the ECM C2 harness connector.
  3. Disconnect the ignition control module harness connector.
  4. Important: A high resistance on an ignition coil control circuit can cause a misfire condition, before DTC P0351-P0353 sets.

  5. Test the affected ignition coil control circuit for the fault condition identified in Circuit/System Verification.
  6. If a condition is detected, repair the circuit as required.
  7. Connect the ECM C2 harness connector.
  8. Connect jumper wires from the harness connector of the ICM to the corresponding terminals of the ICM.
  9. Using the jumper wires, exchange the affected ignition coil control circuit with a known good ignition coil control circuit. Also exchange the spark plug wires of the corresponding coils.
  10. Start and run the engine. With a scan tool, monitor the ignition coil control circuit parameters.
  11. If the circuit status fault identified in Circuit/System Verification transfers with the suspect ignition coil control circuit, replace the ECM.
    If the circuit status fault identified in Circuit/System Verification does not transfer with the ignition coil/module, replace the ICM.

Repair Instructions

    •  Ignition Coil Replacement
    •  Control Module References for ECM replacement, setup, and programming.

Repair Verification

Important: An ignition coil control circuit fault will result in an engine misfire, and under certain driving conditions could possibly overheat the 3-way catalytic converter.

  1. Install any components or connectors that have been removed or replaced during diagnosis.
  2. Perform any adjustment, programming, or setup procedures that are required when a component or module is removed or replaced.
  3. Start and run the engine. With a scan tool, monitor the ignition coil control circuit status parameters. All ignition coil control circuit status parameters should display OK.
  4. If another DTC is present, refer to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle and perform the appropriate diagnostic procedure.
  5. To verify that the performance of the catalytic converter has not been affected by the condition that set this DTC, perform the Repair Verification for DTC P0420 or P0430. Refer to DTC P0420 or P0430 .